alcol
/ˈal.kol/masculine
The Italian word for alcohol is alcol.
alcol refers to the substance generally, in casual conversation, Italians are more likely to use specific terms for types of drinks, such as superalcolici for spirits or alcolici for alcoholic beverages.
Meaning: intoxicating beverage (noun)
Which one should you use?
bevanda alcolica means alcoholic beverage. spirito is a formal term for types of high-proof distilled alcohol. superalcolico is used colloquially to describe strong alcoholic drinks.
How does it change in a sentence?
alcol is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈal.kol/, with the stress on the first of two syllables.
Did you know?
- The Italian word alcol shares an unexpected ancestor with the Arabic word for 'kohl', the ancient black eye cosmetic. Through Medieval Latin, the term evolved from describing a powdered mineral to describing a distilled substance.
- The Italian word spirito for high-proof alcohol reflects the ancient belief that the distillation process captured the 'soul' of the liquid.
- The term superalcolico is not just a description of strength, but a specific legal category in Italy used to distinguish spirits from fermented drinks.
Examples in context
- Alcol – mai più!Alcohol – never again!This sentence shows how to express a strong rejection of alcol.Tatoeba #11745995 by Guybrush88, translation #1490746 by niceguydave
- Io non bevo alcol.I don't drink alcohol.This sentence demonstrates how to say you do not drink alcol.Tatoeba #1343612 by Guybrush88, translation #258477 by CK
- Lui non beve alcol.He doesn't drink alcohol.This sentence shows how to state that someone else does not drink alcol.Tatoeba #7810582 by Guybrush88, translation #7803149 by sharris123
- Questa bevanda alcolica ha un contenuto di alcol elevato.This alcoholic beverage has a high alcohol content.
- Dai, andiamo a bere una birra insieme!Come on, let's go grab a beer together!
- Bevi con moderazione, quel superalcolico è potente!Drink responsibly, that liquor is strong!
- 108 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Chiara are at a party with many drinks.
- LorenzoC'è troppo alcol in questo cocktail.There is too much alcohol in this cocktail.
- ChiaraHai ragione, Lorenzo, è molto forte.You're right, Lorenzo, it is very strong.
- LorenzoVuoi bere qualcosa di analcolico?Do you want to drink something non-alcoholic?
- ChiaraSì, preferisco un'acqua frizzante, grazie.Yes, I prefer a sparkling water, thanks.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “alcohol” translations and entries alcol, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries alcol, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
